Sennay: Reducing malaria burden among seasonal mobile workers through innovative approaches in the Amhara Region

In the Amhara Region, malaria remains a major health issue with seasonal mobile workers contributing up to 80% of all annual malaria cases reported in lowland districts. Seasonal mobile workers are at a high risk of contracting and developing severe malaria, due to multiple factors including low natural immunity and working hours. There are substantial inequities in the provision and access to malaria services with seasonal mobile workers placed at a major disadvantage. Their access to malaria prevention measures and case management services is low due to insufficient training among health extension workers, unsuitable preventive measures, distance from health posts. Additionally the knowledge, demand and uptake of existing malaria services is suboptimal due to gender norms, care seeking behaviours, drug quality and treatment adherence. Current policies and strategic guidance do not address seasonal mobile workers specific needs leading to an increased a rise in malaria prevalence in the region.

Sennay stimulates demand for and uptake of malaria services through gender-sensitive and tailored social behavior change communications. Community dialogue and interactive feedback mechanisms facilitate the involvement of mobile seasonal workers in the design of malaria prevention and control interventions. Sennay’s strategy allows for evidence-based advocacy and engagement of policy makers and key stakeholders in the development of a manual for improved malaria prevention and control services for seasonal mobile workers.

L'iniative project detailsMalaria Consortium project detailsHDAMA Project details

Health Systems
Vulnerable Populations

Jul 2023 — Nov 2026

$1.33M

Ethiopia